Road Safety in Nigeria: Why Stricter Enforcement and Community Engagement Are Critical to Reducing Fatalities
By Daphne Uduneje
As Nigeria faces a troubling surge in road traffic fatalities in 2025, experts are emphasizing the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and community-level awareness campaigns to promote safe driving practices. The rising death toll and accident rates underscore a deepening crisis that demands immediate and coordinated action.
Recent data from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reveal that between January and June 2025, Nigeria recorded 2,650 crashes, resulting in 1,593 deaths and 9,298 injuries—an 8.3% increase in fatalities compared to the same period last year. The high incidence of accidents along key corridors such as the Jos–Lafia–Makurdi route highlights the perilous state of Nigeria’s highways.
Many experts point to human error—reckless overtaking, overspeeding, wrong-way driving—as primary contributors to these tragedies. These unsafe behaviors are often linked to inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. Mr. Patrick Adenusi, Technical Director of Safety Beyond Borders, notes that poor road infrastructure, fatigue, and non-adherence to safety standards by commercial drivers exacerbate the problem.
In response, safety advocates are calling for the government and relevant authorities to implement stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. This includes more rigorous patrols, stiffer penalties for violations such as overspeeding and reckless driving, and mandatory refresher training for commercial drivers.
Furthermore, community-level awareness campaigns are essential to change dangerous driving behaviors and foster a culture of safety. Experts argue that public education on the importance of adhering to traffic rules, combined with targeted outreach in high-risk communities, can significantly reduce accidents.
Efforts to repair and maintain roads, install proper signage, and address security concerns are also vital components of a comprehensive safety strategy. As the rainy season worsens road conditions, experts warn that fatalities could spike further unless decisive action is taken.
The consensus among specialists is clear: Nigeria’s road safety crisis is a national emergency. Implementing stricter enforcement measures and fostering community awareness are critical steps toward saving lives and reversing the deadly trend on Nigeria’s highways.